A recent Reuters survey suggests that President-elect Trump is likely to impose tariffs of approximately 40 percent on imports from China. The poll gathered opinions from economists, with 45 percent predicting tariffs between 31 and 45 percent.
Another 35 percent estimated the range to fall between 15 and 30 percent, while the remaining 20 percent anticipated rates between 46 and 60 percent. Trump has been a strong advocate for tariffs as a tool to bolster the American economy.
Economic experts divided on the potential scope of Trump’s import tariff policies
However, critics warn that such measures could trigger retaliatory tariffs from trading partners, potentially leading to increased costs for U.S. consumers. Higher tariffs on imports are often intended to shield domestic industries but can inadvertently drive up prices on affected goods.
In addition to targeting specific countries like China, Trump has floated the idea of general tariffs of 10 to 20 percent on all imports. His aim is to encourage investment within the United States and revitalize domestic manufacturing. During a September debate with Vice President Harris, Trump reiterated his commitment to raising tariffs as part of his broader economic agenda.
During the debate, Trump defended his tariff strategy, stating, “We’re doing tariffs on other countries. I took in billions and billions of dollars … from China.” His remarks underline his belief in tariffs as a source of revenue and a mechanism to reshape trade dynamics in favor of the U.S.
